Shopping malls in Dubai expected to double in coming years, says Eesa Adam

The delegates were welcomed by Eesa Adam, Head of the Dubai Shopping Malls Group and BurJuman General Manager.

Adam expected the shopping malls in the Emirate to double in number over the coming years and ultimately accumulate a space of 40 million square metres.

"Figures yield substantial evidence of the success achieved by DSF, now a main attraction of Dubai, and its solid contribution to the robust economy of the Emirate," he began.

"During DSF's maiden edition, there were only 15 shopping centres in Dubai occupying a small area of less than 2 million square metres, the most important of which were BurJuman and Deira City Centre. But over time and with the DSF wagon going fabulously well, investor trust in the Emirate's potential has built up, and with the growing number of investors, Dubai is now enjoying the largest economic boom. This has been achieved due to the prudent thinking of our decision-makers and their wise, futuristic vision," he said.

After the remarkable expansion witnessed in Dubai, the number of shopping centres has reached up to 35, sprawling over a total space of 14 million square metres, containing more than 3500 stores and outlets showcasing key world brands, he added.

"Most of the malls enjoy cent per cent occupancy thanks to the economic boom in Dubai, a fact that confirms the need for more shopping centres to meet the increasing demand on the retail trade in the Emirate," he noted.

Asked by one journalist on the significance of the name of 'Burjuman', Adam said that the Dubai Creek divides Dubai into two sections: Bur Dubai and Deira. "The name BurJuman was suggested, which consists of two syllables: Bur, which refers to Bur Dubai, and Juman which means pearls, for which Dubai is widely famous. And therefore, while establishing the centre we have been keen to include as many jewellery and pearl outlets showcasing leading brands in this field. The luxurious nature of the Centre makes it particularly appealing to high-income families and wealthy businessmen, an edge which has helped BurJuman earn its leading position in terms of the availability of world brands in one mall."

He also said that up to 75% of the mall's stores and outlets participate in the DSF activities due to the dividends reaped during the annual bonanza every year. At the end of the tour, the media delegation was shown around the mall by Rana Ghazi, Communications & Public Relations Manager at DSF Office, for a taste of the activities hosted during DSF 2008.

The media delegation was also taken to Dubailand, the leisure and entertainment destination in the region, where the Mohammad Al Habbai, Dubailand CEO briefed the journalists on numerous upcoming projects.

Apart from hosting the Global Village, Dubailand features several projects such as the Dubai Heritage Vision, Dubai Sports City, Motor City, Falcon City and Al Barari that are under various phases of development. Initial infrastructure work on the Polo and Equestrian Club and the City of Arabia is currently in progress.